Ukraine's former deputy prime minister has welcomed the country's talks with the United States over Washington's right to access mineral resources in Ukraine as a good opportunity.



Oleksandr Kubrakov, who also served as the infrastructure minister, spoke to NHK on Friday in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv.



He said developing mineral resources will require a huge investment, and described talks with the administration of US President Donald Trump over a rare earth elements deal as a good opportunity to have a strategic partner.



He also said that having the US side on the ground in such a large-scale and long-term project means that they will try to secure investments.



He expressed hope that Ukraine and the US will move forward on other issues, including those in the security area.



Kubrakov also noted that Ukraine's energy sector has been damaged by Russian attacks.



He said Japan's cooperation is most needed in the sector, including the reconstruction of energy facilities. He said he wants Japanese firms to seek business opportunities in the area.